Goodbye Apartment 301

You know the strange feeling of sadness mingled with excitement. I felt it distinctly in the fall of 2006 when my family drove out of the parking lot at Moody after dropping me off and helping me get settled into my room at school. And I felt it again yesterday as I locked up our first apartment for the last time.

There have been so many memories….

….Like the day after our wedding when we had family and friends over to open gifts and eat left over wedding food.

….Like when I came home from work (this happened on numerous occasions) and my sweet husband had the table set, candles lit and a beautiful dinner prepared for us.

…. Like the time when Brad decided to blow out all the afore mentioned candles with a bottle of air, and was surprised at the fire ball that occurred (we laughed so hard!).

….Like the time we brought Chloe home and watched her shaking little kitten body wander around her new home.

….Like when we set up our first Christmas tree.

….Like when we had 22 people in our small home in addition to our monster Christmas tree.

….Or like when we spent lazy Saturdays at home, not venturing out at all.

Our prayer when we moved in to apartment 301 is that it would be a place of peace and rest, for both us and any friends and family who would walk through its door. There have been times of laughter and tears, peace and unrest, fun and drudgery. I am so thankful for our first year of marriage, and that it was spent here. It has been so much fun.

This is where we began our life as a married couple. Where we have worked through “married life” issues, and adjusted to life. God taught me a lot about myself in our first home – and I am thankful that that knowledge will comes with me to our new home – and I can not wait to see what he will teach me there!

Our New Home

Hey look everyone!! I (Brad) am witting a post instead of Sarah. :) We are so blessed to have moved into a condo in West Rogers Park Chicago. We live in an very culturally diverse area. Our neighborhood is made up of Indian, Muslim and Jewish families! Where - but Chicago - would these three culture's all live together? Needless to say, we live in a "hodge-podge of culture" neighborhood.

Click HERE for pictures of our new home :)

Here is a Preview :)

6413 Leavitt, Unit 3

We have been so antsy to tell you all, but have waited to break the news until all was settled.

We are in possession of a set of keys that unlock a beautiful condo on the north side of Chicago. That’s right! We bought a condo!

It is a newly remodeled 3br/2bath home, on the third and top floor of the building. There are beautiful hardwood floors throughout and windows on all sides (very rare for the city! but wonderful for sunshine and breezes). The kitchen hosts beautiful dark cabinetry and granite countertops. I am thrilled to have a washer/drier in our home and a whirlpool tub in the master bath. Brad is ecstatic about having a grill and can’t wait to go golf at the city-owned course that is a block north of our new home. We are both looking forward to having a dishwasher! We can hardly wait to grill on our new deck and have guests come and stay in our guest room (please do come!).

We will post pictures soon!

Summer Beginnings

We would wish you “Happy June” but we are a little late for that, don’t you think? Can you believe it already the middle of the month! Goodness, where does time go?


Here are some bulleted highlights to update you on our life:

• Sarah made it through her Spring 2009 semester! There were times she needed to recite this quote to herself: “In view of my present circumstances, this is the best I can do. It is not the best, and it may not be my best given different circumstances, but it is the best I can do right now.”(Taken from the book "Peacemaking Women" by Judy Dabler and Tara Barthel - a highly recommended read for all women!)
• Monday night at the Kidders came to a close as Summer has begun - all of the regular attendees are going through withdrawal. Other creative times of fellowship have been scheduled.
• Sarah completed Intro to Philosophy (finally!) and Senior Wellness, two more classes down! Four to go!
• The 2008-2009 Awana year came to a close with a great celebration! Pizza, Parents and Prizes was the night’s theme – and all three were present in abundance! The Kidders had such a great year with our T&Ters! And are so excited about next fall!
• Brad and Sarah celebrated their first year anniversary! They spent the day relaxing – took the bus downtown, ate breakfast at Einstein Bagels, went to go see UP in 3D (AMAZING), walked around the city, ate lunch at Potbelly, perused Crate and Barrel (a monthly occurrence), played Phase 10 at Boarders in the café, bought books, read at Argo Tea, enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Rosebud Steak House and took the bus home!
• Sarah squealed with delight when entering the garage one June morning to discover that a neighbor had thrown away a (beautiful) brass lamp – she is very excited to give it a makeover. Before and After pictures will be posted.
• Chloe interacted with a child for the first time in her “Kidder House” life (she spent time with kids when she was a Kitten). She was very patient with Christian (1 yr) as he “pet” her, and even put up with some tail tugging. Everyone enjoyed watching Chloe and Christian chase each other around the Living Room – Brad and Sarah were pleased that she was kind to her new friend.
• The weather in Chicago did not received the "It's Summer!" memo. The weather has been in the 50s and 60s! Brad and Sarah, although enjoying the extended spring, are looking forward to a change in the weather - hopefully it will be warmer!

Coming Soon!

• Sarah begins a two week class on Psalms.
• Brad anxiously awaits his first Summer game of Golf.